Flood Preparations

The nature of flooding can vary dramatically in terms of cause, timing and depth.

Wollongong's location at the foot of the escarpment means we’re prone to flash flooding. Heavy rainfall along the escarpment means runoff reaches the creeks very quickly. This gives residents little time to prepare.

Floods are often classified by their severity. The scale used to classify floods in Wollongong is:

very severe – extensively affects homes, shops and factories, evacuations of many residential areas and substantial damage to property and facilities

extreme – unprecedented damage/levels of flooding, massive damage to property and facilities, widespread evacuations of residents in life threatening conditions.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is responsible for dealing with floods in NSW. This includes planning for floods and educating people about how to protect themselves and their property. During a flood, SES volunteers are responsible for flood safety advice, evacuation, rescue and the provision of essentials to people cut off by flood waters.In a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero, 000, immediately. For general help in a flood or storm call the SES on 132 500.

The State Emergency Service and Endeavour Energy recommends that residents take the following steps when flooding and/or storms hit or are close...

Switch off appliances and electricity supply at the mains (meter box) even when it has been reported that power has been cut off in your area.

Treat all power lines as live, stay at least 8 metres clear. Look out for wires low hanging or on the ground, dangling in flood waters or tangled in trees

Do not drive across fallen power lines

If power lines have fallen across or become entangled in your vehicle, unless in immediate danger remain inside your vehicle and call/wait for help

If in immediate danger (the wires are “crackling or moving), open your door and jump well clear. Keep your hands off the vehicle and your feet together, then continue jumping with your feet together until at least 10 metres clear

When travelling by boat through flood waters, keep a good distance from power lines and poles

If your boat is wooden or fibreglass, do not touch the water or metallic parts of the motor when near power lines or poles.

Remember, clearance heights of overhead power lines decrease during high tides and floodwaters

Flood Preparation Measures

Find out if your house or business could be affected by flooding

Work out a safe route in case you need to evacuate

Keep your local emergency numbers handy.

During Heavy Rainfall

Listen to your local radio station for warnings and advice

Make sure your neighbours are also aware and keep in touch in case they need your help

Move garbage containers, chemicals and poisons beyond the reach of water

Secure objects that might float away and cause damage

Move livestock and equipment to high ground

Stack your furniture and other possessions beyond the reach of water – place electrical goods on top of any piles

Check your motor vehicle and keep it full of fuel

During a Flood

Avoid driving or walking through flood waters, don’t try to return home until you are sure it is safe